Nov 19, 2012

Review: Linden Leaves

Miraculous Facial Oil 25ml* $49.99

Regenerating Elixir 15ml* $49.99

Moisture Replenishing Masque 55ml* $29.99

I've been using these Linden Leaves products for a few months now so I thought it was time to review them for you. I was kindly sent three products from their newest skincare line to try and give my thoughts on. I knew it had to be amazing because I heard that Rachel Hunter herself approached the brand about how much she loved their products. She is the now the face of Linden Leaves (and a beautiful one at that!).

Straight away I was impressed by the packaging and look of the products. Good quality paper packaging (recyclable), neutral colour scheme (I don't generally like to use skincare that comes in a fluoro green package) and practical containers for the products themselves. I love serums/elixirs in pump containers, it keeps the air from ruining the product and it lasts longer. It also dispenses the exact right amount each time. Glass dropper bottles are perfect for oils as you only need two drops for your entire face. Glass feels luxurious as well and the opacity of this container means that the light can't alter and ruin the oil.

You guys know that I truly believe in the power of plants to deliver miracle results when applied to the skin and this range was no exception. I normally use more natural products as I feel better about not applying a ton of chemicals onto my face. These Linden Leaves products are natural, cruelty free, contain no: parabens, SLS, synthetic colours or fragrances and is made in New Zealand. I feel like we are blessed to live in New Zealand where we can so easily access good skincare ranges such as this one. But also, companies these days need to be commended for international shipping and international stockists. Everyone in the world needs these products in their lives!

This Regenerating Elixir is a concentrated treatment that helps to minimise the appearance of elemental damage, fine lines and wrinkles. It's got organic white tea in it for it's antioxidant and regenerating value. Kiwifruit extract helps defend against visible signs of ageing and rosehip oil restores and plumps the skin. Many other ingredients combine in this formula like vitamin c, chamomile, licorice and shea butter to moisturise, firm and renew the skin. I use this product as shown above, one pump mixed in with my normal daily moisturiser. I think it packs a powerful punch when combined like this and lasts longer than if I was using 2 pumps of the product alone. I feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds when I combine the Regenerating Elixir like this, I've also mixed it with a little of the Miraculous Facial Oil (divine!) and a little with the Moisture Replenishing Masque. I definitely notice the difference after I've used this. I'm not supposed to be getting fine lines/wrinkles at my age but working in an air-conditioned environment has taken its toll, particularly on my forehead. It plumps my skin and feels much smoother. I also notice a subtle glow as well, the perfect base before light makeup application. One of the best things about this Elixir for me is the the smell, it smells like you're rubbing a fresh rose petal over your face, which I love! For me, a products smell is a make or break thing, and this product gets a thumbs up.

The Miraculous Facial Oil turned out to be my favourite product of the three. Although I wouldn't classify my skin as dry, I would definitely say it has a tendency to be dehydrated. Again with the air-conditioning thing! A couple of drops of this spread over my face at night smoothes over any rough spots and in the morning my face is plumped and the texture has improved. I always feel that oils are one of the purer products of a range too and this one is no exception. It has a base of rosehip and evening primrose oils which are fantastic for anti-ageing, improving skin tone/scarring, nourishing and healing. White tea, vanilla, tonka bean, mandarin and sandalwood extracts are then added to do some serious healing, brightening, softening and regenerating. I love to use this on its own or mixed in with my moisturiser. Again, I like being able to mix a couple of products together to get the best of both worlds. In a pinch I've actually used a little of this product to rub into my cuticles! 1 drop will pretty much do all of your nails and get them looking healthy in no time at all, your cuticles will thank you for it. This product looks beautiful on my vanity too, can't complain about that.

This Moisture Replenishing Masque is actually a little bit special. You apply a decent layer to your face whenever you need a pick-me-up and leave it. It doesn't set. How amazing is that? You can put it on and eat your breakfast at the same time. One turn off for me of some masks is how they set and then your pretty much stuck for 15mins, you can't talk or do anything else that uses your face muscles and lets face it, you look a little ridic! This one is as good as invisible. It's pretty much magic. If, like me, you get a little dry/dehydrated sometimes then this product is a god-send! I apply a layer first, and If I've been a bit naughty and not used it for a few weeks, it soaks in straight away. That's how I know I've got dehydrated skin. Then I apply another layer about 2mins later. You can leave it on for about 15mins and then rinse with warm water or you can do what I do and leave it on for an hour plus. It says on the box that you can leave it on overnight. It won't harm your skin at all, in fact your skin will be that much more amazing in the morning. But remember, I said it's pretty much invisible so you can pop it on and do your house work for a couple of hours. No one will know, except for the gorgeous glow you'll be rocking. It contains green tea (a super antioxidant), chamomile (soothes and reduces puffiness), fennel (to rejuvenate) and manuka (healing). Use it once a week for best results. You can keep this in the fridge over summer for a super-cooling treatment or just use a little on cotton pads over your eyes to reduce puffiness.

I love how multi-use these Linden Leaves products are. All in all I'm very happy with them and would definitely recommend them to anyone wanting skin as gorgeous as Rachel Hunter's!

These products are widely available. If you'd like to know a little bit more about the brand then check out their: